A systematic review of the benefits of mindfulness-based interventions following transient ischemic attack and stroke.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to evaluate the benefits of mindfulness-based interventions for individuals following transient ischemic attack or stroke.
Results Summary
The study found a positive trend in favor of mindfulness-based interventions across psychological, physiological, and psychosocial outcomes, including reduced anxiety, depression, and improved quality of life, with no evidence of harm.
Population
Individuals who experienced transient ischemic attack or stroke (160 participants across four studies).
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
Not specified
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
mindfulness-based interventions | decrease | anxiety | people following transient ischemic attack/stroke | - | demonstrate a positive trend in favor of the benefits | #1 |
mindfulness-based interventions | decrease | depression | people following transient ischemic attack/stroke | - | demonstrate a positive trend in favor of the benefits | #2 |
mindfulness-based interventions | decrease | mental fatigue | people following transient ischemic attack/stroke | - | demonstrate a positive trend in favor of the benefits | #3 |
mindfulness-based interventions | decrease | blood pressure | people following transient ischemic attack/stroke | - | demonstrate a positive trend in favor of the benefits | #4 |
mindfulness-based interventions | increase | perceived health | people following transient ischemic attack/stroke | - | demonstrate a positive trend in favor of the benefits | #5 |
mindfulness-based interventions | increase | quality of life | people following transient ischemic attack/stroke | - | demonstrate a positive trend in favor of the benefits | #6 |
mindfulness-based interventions | no change | harm | people following transient ischemic attack/stroke | no evidence | No evidence of harm was found | #7 |
BACKGROUND: Recent epidemiological studies have demonstrated an association between perceived psychological stress and ischemic stroke. A feature of stroke is recurrence; 30-40% within five-years following first transient ischemic attack/stroke. Equipping patients with skills and coping strategies to help reduce or manage perceived psychological stress may represent an important secondary prevention intervention. Mindfulness-based interventions are structured, group-based self-management programmes with potential to help people with long-term conditions cope better with physical, psychological, or emotional distress. Review evidence suggests significant benefits across a range of physical and mental health problems. However, we could find no evidence synthesis relating specifically to the benefits of mindfulness-based interventions following transient ischemic attack/stroke. AIM: The review aims to evaluate the benefits of mindfulness-based interventions following transient ischemic attack/stroke. METHODS: Six major databases were searched using subject headings and key words. Papers were screened using review-specific criteria. Critical appraisal and data extraction were conducted independently by two reviewers. Statistical meta-analysis was not possible; therefore findings are presented in narrative form. RESULTS: Four studies involving 160 participants were reviewed. Three papers reported mindfulness-based interventions delivered to groups; one paper reported a mindfulness-based intervention which was delivered one to one. The results demonstrate a positive trend in favor of the benefits of mindfulness-based interventions across a range of psychological, physiological, and psychosocial outcomes including anxiety, depression, mental fatigue, blood pressure, perceived health, and quality of life. No evidence of harm was found. CONCLUSION: Following transient ischemic attack/stroke, people may derive a range of benefits from mindfulness-based interventions; however, further methodologically robust trials are required.